We're about to hit a stretch of holidays, which for many means holiday road trips. The Bureau for Transportation Statistics reports that the time between Thanksgiving and New Year's is among the busiest for long-distance travel (long-distance being a destination of 50 miles or more). Before you pack up your car, check out these tips for holiday road trips.
Since there will be more people on the roads, traveling will be more dangerous. You will have to stay more alert and pay close attention to the other drivers. Driving at night might seem like a good way to miss the crowds, but it can be hard to stay awake and alert, not to mention hard to see.
Some people say that it's better to travel on the actually holiday, but the Bureau for Transportation Statistics says that more people travel on Thanksgiving than the Wednesday before. Really, it's just a luck of the draw whether or not you escape holiday traffic, but the important thing is to stay alert.
Leave early and take rest stops. If you are making a 10-hour road and you leave 10 hours before you want to get there, you're going to run into some troubles. You might arrive late, or you maybe you will get a speeding ticket trying to make it there on time. Either way, this is going to be stressful, and it can put a sour note on your trip.
If taking a road trip with children, keep in mind that they are faster than adults. Meaning, of course, that they are likely to get bored, hungry, cranky, and fidgety more quickly than adults. Bring some snacks and toys, and prepare some games to play to keep your children occupied on your road trip.
Consider doing some car yoga!
Plan your route. The shortest route isn't always the best option. Busy holiday traffic and a leisurely semi driver can add a lot of travel time on a two-lane highway. Add that to the rambunctious passengers in the back seat, and you have a recipe for a bumpy road trip. Traffic will usually flow more steadily on the interstate. Also check for construction and roadwork to avoid delays. Sometimes taking a longer route can actually be more efficient, or at least more enjoyable.
Check the forecast before you hit the road. You might run into some inclement weather on your road trip, or roads may be closed due to winter weather. Be sure to plan accordingly, and it doesn’t hurt to carry an emergency kit and put a de-icing windshield wiper fluid in your car.
Make sure your vehicle is in good condition for a road trip. How recently have you changed your oil? Do your tires need to be rotated? Is your battery holding a charge? These are just a few of the things you should consider. Bring your vehicle in for some maintenance before starting your trip.
Stay positive! Traffic delays and quarrels can test anyone's patience, but your attitude can dictate how the road trip goes. Remember that you're with family, or you will soon be with family, and you're going to celebrate the holiday with loved ones. Stay positive and cheerful, and your road trip will be a good one!
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